Plumbing Advice for Pet Owners

Pet Owners: 3 Plumbing Tips to Keep Cat and Dog Hair out of Drains and Pipes

A clogged pipe can bring a home to a grinding halt, and that is why it is important for
all pet owners to understand some of the steps that they can take to keep
animal fur out of their pipes. If you recently brought home a pet, then
take a look at these three tips for protecting your Reading plumbing system
from animal-related clogs.

Start With Drain Strainers

One of the best ways to protect your pipes is to invest in drain strains
for all of your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. A drain strain is nothing
more than a cheap plastic or metal device that is placed directly over
the drain to keep out debris. For those that will be washing their pet
in the house, it is important to get a drain strain made with tight mesh.
Kitchen drain strains often have larger holes to prevent food debris,
but those products might not be effective for catching animal fur. Strains
with tight mesh will need to be cleaned more often, but they also catch
more debris.

Bathe Them Less

All pet owners should speak with their veterinarian to learn how often
they should wash their pets. While it might seem counterintuitive, washing
your cat or dog too often can be quite bad for their fur and skin. Washing
them less will have the added bonus of limiting how much fur will get
into your pipes. According to the ASPCA, most dogs only need to be bathed
around once every three months or if something gets caught in their fur.
Cats actually never need to be bathed unless something has been caught
in their fur because they can clean the majority of their own body. Weekly
brushing is a perfectly good substitute for regular bathing.

Keep Their Fur Trimmed

Regularly trimming your pet's fur is important for a few different
reasons. First, it will allow them to regulate their own internal temperature
during the hotter months of the year. Regular grooming will also ensure
that their nails and fur stay healthy as they grow older. Finally, clipping
their fur a few days before a bath will prevent longer hairs from clogging
drains and pipes in your Reading home.